Escrow & Title

A Florida property is conveyed with a deed that states 'to John Smith, for the life of Jane Doe.' When Jane Doe dies:

AJohn Smith gains fee simple title automatically
BThe property reverts to the grantor or the grantor's heirs✓ Correct
CJohn Smith may continue to hold the property as long as he lives
DThe property passes to John Smith's heirs

Explanation

This deed creates a 'life estate pur autre vie' (for the life of another). John Smith has a life estate measured by Jane Doe's life, not his own. When Jane Doe dies, the life estate ends and the property reverts to the grantor (via reversion) or passes to a named remainderman. If John Smith dies before Jane Doe, his estate can hold the life estate until Jane Doe dies.

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